copy startup-config running-config
Copies the saved startup configuration (startup-config) into the active running configuration (running-config), effectively restoring the device to the state saved in NVRAM without a reboot.
copy startup-config running-configWhen to Use This Command
- After making temporary changes that you want to revert to the saved configuration without reloading the router.
- When you have accidentally deleted or misconfigured the running configuration and need to restore the last saved configuration.
- To synchronize the running configuration with the startup configuration after verifying that the startup config is correct.
- During troubleshooting, to ensure the running configuration matches a known good baseline saved in startup-config.
Command Examples
Basic copy from startup-config to running-config
copy startup-config running-configDestination filename [running-config]? Building configuration... [OK]
The command prompts for confirmation of the destination filename (default is running-config). Press Enter to accept. The router then builds the configuration and displays [OK] when successful.
Copy with explicit destination filename
copy startup-config running-configDestination filename [running-config]? running-config Building configuration... [OK]
Typing 'running-config' explicitly confirms the destination. The output confirms the configuration was applied successfully.
Understanding the Output
The output is minimal. The prompt 'Destination filename [running-config]?' asks you to confirm the destination; pressing Enter accepts the default. 'Building configuration...' indicates the router is merging the startup config into the running config. '[OK]' means the operation completed without errors. If there is a syntax error in the startup config, the command may still report [OK] but the invalid lines will be ignored (check with 'show running-config | include error'). A failure message like 'Invalid input detected' would indicate a problem with the source file.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam tip: The 'copy startup-config running-config' command merges the startup config into the running config; it does NOT replace the running config entirely. Existing commands not in startup-config remain unless overwritten.
CCNA exam tip: Unlike 'reload', this command does not cause downtime; it applies the saved configuration immediately.
CCNA exam tip: If the startup config is corrupted or empty, the command may fail or produce an empty running config. Always verify with 'show running-config' afterward.
CCNA exam tip: The command is often used in labs to reset a device to a known state without rebooting.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing 'copy startup-config running-config' with 'copy running-config startup-config' — the latter saves the current config to NVRAM, the opposite direction.
Mistake 2: Assuming the command replaces the entire running config — it merges, so old settings may persist if not explicitly overwritten.
Mistake 3: Forgetting that the command does not validate the startup config syntax; invalid lines are silently ignored, leading to unexpected behavior.
Related Commands
reload
The reload command reboots a Cisco IOS device, typically used to apply configuration changes or recover from a system issue.
show running-config
Displays the current active configuration in DRAM, showing all non-default settings.
show startup-config
Displays the saved configuration stored in NVRAM that loads on next device boot.
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